Amanda Lundy and Sean McGinley moved into their dream home in Sea Bright, N.J, in 2011. When Hurricane Sandy hit in October of last year, they knew they would have to gut the entire first floor. The couple, who did much of the renovating themselves, set a goal: It would be ready in time for their Dec. 4 wedding reception. It was.

“The storm definitely taught us a lot,” Ms. Lundy said. “We learned to work as a unit.”